archaism Definition
the use of words or expressions that are no longer in common use, or a feature of a language that is no longer in common use.
Using archaism: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "archaism" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The author's use of 'thou' and 'thee' is an archaism.
Example
The play was written in a style that included many archaisms.
Example
The professor criticized the student's use of archaisms in their essay.
archaism Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for archaism
- antiquated language
- obsolete term
- archaic expression
Antonyms for archaism
- modernism
- contemporary language
Phrases with archaism
a feature of a language that is no longer in common use, such as inflections, case endings, or word order
Example
The archaism of form in Old English includes the use of inflections to indicate grammatical relationships.
the use of words or expressions that are no longer in common use, such as 'thou', 'thee', or 'hath'
Example
The author's archaism of vocabulary gives the novel a historical feel.
the use of pronunciation that is no longer in common use, such as the pronunciation of 'ask' as 'aks'
Example
The archaism of pronunciation in Shakespeare's plays can make them difficult for modern audiences to understand.
Origins of archaism
from French 'archaïsme', from Greek 'arkhaïsmos', from 'arkhaizein' meaning 'to model oneself on the ancients'
Summary: archaism in Brief
An 'archaism' [ahr-key-iz-uhm] refers to the use of words or expressions that are no longer in common use, or a feature of a language that is no longer in common use. It can include archaisms of form, vocabulary, or pronunciation. Examples of archaisms include 'thou', 'thee', and inflections that indicate grammatical relationships. The use of archaisms can give a historical feel to a work, but it can also make it difficult for modern audiences to understand.
